Genesis 25:32

And Esau said, Behold, I [am] at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me?

And Esau {H6215} said {H559}, Behold, I am at the point {H1980} to die {H4191}: and what profit shall this birthright {H1062} do to me?

"Look, I'm about to die!" said 'Esav. "What use to me are my rights as the firstborn?"

โ€œLook,โ€ said Esau, โ€œI am about to die, so what good is a birthright to me?โ€

And Esau said, Behold, I am about to die: and what profit shall the birthright do to me?

Commentary

Genesis 25:32 captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Jacob and Esau, highlighting Esau's profound shortsightedness and devaluation of his spiritual inheritance.

Context

This verse is set within the early life of Esau and Jacob, the twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah. Even before their birth, a divine prophecy declared that "the elder shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23), foreshadowing the reversal of traditional birth order. Esau, a skilled hunter, arrives home famished and exhausted, while Jacob, a quieter man, is cooking a simple lentil stew. In his moment of extreme hunger, Esau utters these words, which directly precede his infamous decision to sell his birthright for a single meal (Genesis 25:33).

Key Themes and Messages

  • Devaluation of Inheritance: Esau's declaration, "what profit shall this birthright do to me?", reveals a shocking disregard for his privileged position as the firstborn. The birthright was not merely a material advantage (a double portion of the inheritance), but also included spiritual leadership within the family and the transmission of the Abrahamic covenant promises.
  • Immediate Gratification vs. Future Blessing: Esau prioritizes his immediate physical hunger over a significant, long-term spiritual and familial privilege. His impulsive decision serves as a powerful biblical illustration of trading lasting value for fleeting satisfaction.
  • Lack of Faith and Foresight: His dramatic claim, "I am at the point to die," is likely hyperbole, reflecting a mindset that is entirely focused on the present discomfort rather than trusting in God's provision or valuing future blessings. This impulsive choice ultimately led to him being described as a "profane person" in the New Testament, who despised his birthright.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "at the point to die" translates from the Hebrew halak lamuth (ื”ึธืœึทืšึฐ ืœึธืžื•ึผืช), literally "going to die" or "about to die." While perhaps an exaggeration of his physical state, it vividly conveys Esau's sense of desperate urgency and his short-sighted inability to see beyond his immediate discomfort. The "birthright" is bekorah (ื‘ึผึฐื›ึนืจึธื”), encompassing the full scope of firstborn privileges, both material and spiritual.

Practical Application

Esau's story serves as a timeless warning against valuing temporary pleasures or immediate comfort above spiritual heritage and God's promises. It challenges believers to consider what they truly value and to exercise patience and faith, rather than making impulsive decisions driven by momentary desires. Our choices today, especially regarding our spiritual walk, have lasting consequences, and we are called to cherish our spiritual inheritance in Christ.

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Cross-References

  • Job 34:9 (5 votes)

    For he hath said, It profiteth a man nothing that he should delight himself with God.

  • Job 21:15 (5 votes)

    What [is] the Almighty, that we should serve him? and what profit should we have, if we pray unto him?

  • Malachi 3:14 (5 votes)

    Ye have said, It [is] vain to serve God: and what profit [is it] that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

  • Job 22:17 (5 votes)

    Which said unto God, Depart from us: and what can the Almighty do for them?

  • Exodus 22:9 (3 votes)

    For all manner of trespass, [whether it be] for ox, for ass, for sheep, for raiment, [or] for any manner of lost thing, which [another] challengeth to be his, the cause of both parties shall come before the judges; [and] whom the judges shall condemn, he shall pay double unto his neighbour.